Monday 21 January 2008

Magical mead

I was watching the BBC's adaptation of Lark Rise to Candleford last night. In it, the Lark Rise matriarch Queenie Turrill, played by Linda Bassett, brews a luck potion from mead.

We didn't get to see how effective the potion was in the episode because much of it gets spilt before it is drunk, but mead is said to have many magical properties - particularly associated with love and good fortune in marriage.

Mead is made from honey, water and yeast, although it is sometimes flavoured with fruit juices, and tastes like a rich wine.
The term 'honeymoon' comes from the ancient tradition of drinking mead at weddings. It was supposed to be a potent aphrodisiac and boost fertility as well as increasing the chances that the first child would be a son.

With Valentines Day approaching, why not get a bottle or two? You could also have a go at making your own, although it won't be ready for drinking in time for this February 14.

Here are some links on the history and magic of mead, mead recipes and where to buy mead:
www.wyrdwords.vispa.com/heathenry/mead/index.html
www.empathys.co.uk/197.html

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ick! I detest mead - but then I hate honey too. Which is a shame as it always LOOKS so good. And it's so very British too.

Badwitch said...

I rather like it. Mind you, I like honey too.